What You Can Do To Support A Community Approach To Addressing BIPOC Mental Health
You can take action to support a community approach to addressing the mental health needs of BIPOC individuals. Whether you identify as a member of these communities or want to be a stronger ally, the following steps help promote mental health and increase access to care.
EXAMINE THE CURRENT STRUCTURES AND ASK QUESTIONS
A great starting point is to look critically at different existing systems and networks and analyze how they hurt or help BIPOC mental health. Consider the various barriers to accessing mental health care like cost and stigma and whether the current framework is the best approach to providing quality services and meeting the needs of communities.
PUSH FOR ACCESSIBILITY IN TRADITIONAL HEALTH CARE
Take action by advocating for BIPOC accessibility in our current health care systems. Contact your local elected officials or use your channels like social media to talk about these issues. Call for expanded language services, culturally responsive provider training, expanded public education resources around health literacy, and more.
HOLD ORGANIZATIONS AND INSTITUTIONS ACCOUNTABLE
Our health care systems are not the only ones responsible for BIPOC mental health and the barriers to care. Ensure that the systems you are a part of, including workplaces, research institutions, schools, political structures, and beyond, actively assess how they contribute to the problems that exist for BIPOC mental health and support solutions to ensure change.
